Mike Singletary says he doesn't want "a flavor-of-the-month-type thing" at quarterback. But he has decided to switch toppings. As expected, Singletary named Alex Smith the quarterback starter for Sunday's game in Indianapolis, the 49ers' second straight against an AFC South opponent that can put a lot of points on the board.
Singletary admitted that "We really didn't know what we were going to get when (Smith) went out there." Indeed, Shaun Hill was the known commodity and the safer choice, and that's why he won the job to start the season. But in the last two outings, defenses seemed to have had solved Hill and the 49ers' offense, and Singletary today said the first half of yesterday's game in Houston reminded him of the blowout loss to Atlanta. So he made the switch.
"I wanted to make a decision based upon who gives us the best chance to win," Singletary said. ... "We feel that right now Alex Smith gives us the best chance." Singletary said that he felt Smith had regained his confidence, that his time spent on the sideline - Smith hadn't started a game since Nov. 12, 2007 - created a "hunger" that perhaps he hadn't had in the past.
Indeed, Smith seemed like a new man on Sunday, albeit against a defense that already had been spotted 21 points. He threw for three touchdowns, more than 200 yards, and if it weren't for an interception in desperation time, he would have had the highest passer rating - more than 140 - of his career.
Singletary didn't get into the specifics of why he made the move. But opening up the offense likely is reason No. 1. Singletary lamented the fact that defenses have been stacking the line of scrimmage in an effort to stymie the 49ers' running game. "Hopefully we'll make them get the heck out of the box," he said. ... "
The 49ers players will be available at 3 p.m. at which Smith and Hill are expected to talk to the assembled reporters
In other Monday 49ers news ...
- Singletary pointed to poor communication as the reason why his defense has been sputtering of late. "We're a good defense with the opportunity to be a great defense," he said. He said part of the issue may be that Patrick Willis, who has resisted wearing the radio receiver in the past, has been wearing the green dot of late. "We may have to look at that," Singletary said.
- Both linebacker Takeo Spikes and offensive tackle Tony Pashos will have MRIs today on their shoulders. Rookie Scott McKillop filled in for Spikes yesterday, and he or newcomer Matt Wilhelm could step in at "Ted" linebacker if Spikes is out long-term. Barry Sims or Adam Snyder could step in at right tackle if Pashos is out for a while.
- As far as Chilo Rachal, who had another difficult game at right guard, Singletary said this: "Some guys are trying to play perfect. Guys are trying to play mistake-free. And when you do that, you become robotic."
- And, finally, Michael Crabtree. In his first-ever NFL game - preseason, regular season or otherwise - Crabtree played more snaps than any other receiver. Singletary said that nothing jumped out at him on Sunday - that was precisely how Crabtree had been performing in practice. Still, Singletary said he enjoyed watching his rookie this morning. "I just wanted to see it on film," he said. "Just like you see a good movie - you want to see it again."
-- Matt Barrows
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.